The project at Aileron, 135 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs, would mine rare earth materials such as neodymium and praseodymium, used to manufacture strong magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles.

A floating event venue that can accommodate parties for up to 250 people is granted approval to operate in the Swan River, about 400 metres from Elizabeth Quay, after a bigger proposal is knocked back.

In the distance are the magnificent outback Flinders Ranges, but a dried-up lake with an odour like rotten eggs at times is proving frustrating for environmental authorities and a South Australian council to fix.